I'm looking for the most economical way to build or purchase an 16'' AR-15 5.56 upper! Do chrome lined barrels really matter? When did the BANN take place? How long will pre bann barrels be available?
the ban expired 4 years ago. buy what you find as long as the barrel length is 16"
cheapest would probably be something used in the ar15.com classifieds. you should be able to pick up a complete upper in the ~400 range. of course, at that rate you can buy a complete kit and then get a lower but since you're asking for an upper, i assume you have a complete lower?
Call Bullet and Blade (one of the site sponstors). He had some unmarked uppers. I have one that I'm very happy with. I don't remember the price since it was partially a trade.